Undergraduate Certificate for Care Practitioners

Course Description

The Undergraduate Certificate for Care Practitioners is an MQF Level 5 qualification, 30 ECTS credits designed for individuals seeking to develop the knowledge, skills, and professional competences required to work effectively within the health and social care sector.

The programme provides a strong foundation in person-centred care, communication, safeguarding, health and safety, infection prevention and control, and professional practice. Learners gain an understanding of the ethical, legal, and practical responsibilities involved in supporting individuals across a variety of care settings while promoting dignity, independence, and wellbeing.

Entry Requirements

• A qualification at MQF Level 4 (one ‘A’ Level or equivalent) in Care or a related field and English Language at MQF Level 3 (‘O’ Level or equivalent). 

• In the case of students who do not possess all the formal required academic qualifications, then the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process could be applied such that if evidence of equivalent learning is found then the applicant could still be accepted on the course. Such RPL process will subject applicants to an interview held with a board of experts within the field, chosen specifically by IDEA College, so as to verify their experiences and prior learning. 

*Students whose first language is not English and do not possess an ‘O’ level pass in English Language will be required to demonstrate English language capability at IELTS level 6.0 or equivalent.

Target Audience

The programme targets the following groups:  

• Individuals seeking to advance their academic and professional knowledge in the field of care. 

• Individuals wanting to pursue a wide range of career paths within the care profession. 

• Individuals seeking to enhance their ability to interpret, assess, and communicate care-related information. 

• Individuals already working in care who wish to progress to more advanced positions.  

• Individuals aiming to continue their studies in health and social care at higher levels. 

Career Paths

This qualification prepares students for advanced roles in direct care provision, including:  

• Senior Care Assistant 

• Community Support Worker 

• Mental Health Support Worker 

• Pediatric Care Assistant 

• Personal Care Assistant 

• Disability Support Worker 

• Palliative / End-of-Life Care Worker 

• Rehabilitation Support Worker 

• Residential Care Worker

Modules

You are required to complete all 5 compulsory modules (30 ECTS)

How you’ll be assessed

The course comprises:

• Evening classes for part-time courses.
• Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
• Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
• Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.

Assessment

Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:

• Formative Assessment
• Summative Assessment

The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.